The poppies represent every British and Commonwealth serviceman and servicewoman killed or declared missing in action during the war, and their names will be handwritten on the poppies by volunteers across the country.

However, the sculpture is dependent upon donations of poppies and Pearl Allard has donated 49 to the Great Yarmouth collection.

Ms Allard, 79, said she had bought a poppy every year for the last 49 years and could never bring herself to bin them because of their symbolism.

She said: “I saw the lady’s letter in the Mercury and thought it was a wonderful idea. Finally I can use them; I feel right proud I do.”

Poppy collection boxes are housed at Great Yarmouth, Gorleston and Caister libraries and the Great Yarmouth Mercury office in King Street.